Over the past year questions have been raised throughout the arts community in Smithers about the community access to the Della Herman Theatre. Although the building of the theatre was a joint effort through community fundraising and the school district, there have been challenges over the years as to how much public access there is, especially at certain times of year.

The Della Herman is attached to Smithers Secondary Highschool, and it has provided a space for community and school productions, even producing some award winning talent over the years on that stage. But for a small town like Smithers, what does it mean to the community to have access to the Della Herman, something most town’s this size only dream of?

Today we chat with one of the community architects of the Della Herman, Hans Saefkow about the origins of the theatre and how it has enriched the lives of many Smithereens.